Frontline technical director Olav Eikrem is departing after 15 years.
He is among the longest serving executives in the Fredriksen group of companies.
Eikrem, joined operating company Frontline Management in 2003, coming from Thome Ship Management in Singapore.
He told the Norwegian daily Finansavisen: "I have been commuting on a weekly basis from Haugesund the whole time. That is demanding. And for a while I have looked at some other possibilities that I would like to pursue before retire. I also do have some private projects."
Eikrem said his job in the Fredriksen group has been the most exciting of his career involving both ordinary operations, newbuildings and projects. He denies any disagreements as a reason for his departure.
Among Eikrem's previous jobs, he worked for Knutsen OS Shipping in his hometown of Haugesund and for chemical tanker owner JO Tankers in Bergen.
Though the Fredriksen uses external management companies to handle its vessels, it has built up an organisation in Oslo and Singapore to operate its fleet.
Robert Hvide Macleod, chief executive of Frontline Management, is full of praise for the work Eikrem has accomplished.
“His experience, competence and efforts have contributed to Frontline’s operational success,” he said.
Macleod said Eikrem will be missed. But he said Frontline will continue to have a leading technical operation thanks to an experienced team.
